Preventive Dentistry

At Dr. Bruce Nelson's office, our focus is on prevention of dental disease and the overall health of our patients. Our years of dental experience have stood the test of time and we offer preventive services and products that have successfully helped our patients to improve their health. You may learn more about some of these items below:

Oral Hygiene

Oral Hygiene is one of the most important factors in preventing many dental problems. At our office, we will help you to learn effective methods to use at home. Some of these tips include:

Brush your teeth at least 2x every day

Floss & Clean between teeth every day

Visit your Dental team for an exam and dental cleaning at least every 6 months, or as recommended

Check your gums and mouth regularly. Make sure gums are pink and that your gums hug your teeth tightly. (gums should not bleed when brushing)

Bacterial Micro-IDent®plus Testing

OMicro-IDent®plus testing allows us to know exactly what kinds of bacteria are present in the mouths of our patients. This information allows us to predict how susceptible a patient may be to certain kinds of periodontal disease and tooth decay. It also allows us to treat the mouth before certain types of bacteria are able to cause serious, permanent damage.

Certain types of bacteria are dangerous and destructive and, without treatment, can cause severe periodontal disease. And, in many cases, these bacteria are present in the mouths of patients who cannot seem to get rid of their chronic gum disease. With Micro-IDent®plus we are now able to identify these harmful bacteria and treat the whole mouth using a specific antibiotic treatment.

The lab report we receive back identifies the bacteria found in the mouth and the quantities in which they are found. This allows us to develop a more powerful and effective treatment plan that is designed specifically for your mouth!

CariFree Products

Dental caries (decay) is the number one disease in the United States. In Dr. Bruce Nelson's office we focus on prevention and with the aide of preventive products, we can help to treat the underlying cause of the disease by restoring dental biofilm to health and correcting the level of the pH in the mouth.

CloSys Products

Research continues to show a connection between oral health and overall health. We have been recommending these products since 1991 and see excellent results with our patients! CloSys mouthrinse, toothpaste and breath spray products kill 99.9% of the harmful bacteria in the mouth and do not contain alcohol, sulfates (foaming agents) or triclosan. Because they are also pH balanced, CloSys helps to maintain a less acidic environment in the mouth which can lead to more dental issues. These products also break down sulfur compounds in the mouth to prevent bad breath (halitosis). These non-prescription items can be purchased through Dr. Bruce Nelson's office or over-the-counter.

Fluoride Varnish

Our fluoride treatments contain bio-available Calcium, Phosphate, & Fluoride to increase healthy natural mineral uptake into the surfaces of the teeth to help prevent decay and sensitivity. The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs states: "Fluoride Varnish applied every six months is effective in preventing caries in the primary and permanent dentition of children and adolescents." Fluoride Varnish is the only in-office topical fluoride recommended for
pre-school children. Patients may drink and eat immediately after placement of the fluoride, with the exception of very hot liquids, alcohol, or very crunchy foods, and no brushing for approximately 4 to 6 hours.

MI Paste & MI Paste Plus™

MI Paste (without fluoride) and MI Paste Plus™ (with fluoride) are the only products for professional use with a special milk-derived phosphopeptide called RECALDENT™ (CPP-ACP) that is designed to bind calcium and phosphate to tooth surfaces, plaque, and the surrounding soft tissues. The paste is designed to protect teeth from caries development and has been found to be more effective than fluoride treatments alone.

MI Paste Plus™ is also used to reduce or eliminate white spots on teeth. It works by helping the teeth remineralize the white areas and, as a result, the white spots disappear. It also helps to reduce sensitivity to hot or cold liquids or foods. The paste also reduces acidity in the saliva by reducing the ability of bacteria to cause decay. And, MI Paste Plus™ decreases the effect of acid reflux on the teeth.

MI Paste Plus™ is a water-based, sugar-free crème that is enhanced with fluoride (900ppm) and applied directly to the tooth surface or oral cavity. MI Paste Plus™ is specially designed for patients who are at a higher risk for dental caries or dental erosion. MI Paste Plus™ is safe and easy to use either at home or at work. It is recommended for patients who have marked salivary dysfunction (dry mouth), which can be caused by medications, systemic illness, or salivary glad disease. Dry mouth can cause an enhanced risk for mineral loss from dental caries or dental erosion, but MI Plus Paste™ is designed to improve saliva flow and fluoride uptake as well as soothing sensitive surfaces.
MI Paste Plus™ can be used for the following:

To reduce white spot lesions

To reduce sensitivity to hot or cold liquids or foods

During and/or after orthodontics

To reduce salivary deficiency/dry mouth

To reduce acidic oral environments

For erosion due to gastric reflux

To treat patients with poor plaque control

To treat patients with a high risk for dental caries

To provide extra protection for teeth

These products are available through Dr. Bruce Nelson's office.

VELscope ® and Oral Cancer Screening

VELscope® Vx system is an adjunctive device which is used together with and as a supplement to the traditional intra and extra oral head and neck exam.

The image to the left shows oral cancer is undetectable to the unassisted eye. The image to the right shows the biopsy-confirmed oral cancer that was seen using the VELscope® Vx

In Dr. Bruce Nelson's office, we perform a thorough head and neck examination at your initial exam and during your routine dental maintenance hygiene visits. To enhance our ability to detect oral tissue abnormalities, including cancer and pre-cancer, we are able to use our VELscope® Vx system. Although insurance may not cover this procedure, the fee is nominal and the procedure is highly recommended approximately once per year.

Why VELscope®?
Approximately 43,250 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx in 2014. During the same time period, over 8,000 Americans will die of oral cancer. Viruses like human papillomavirus or HPV, which causes cervical cancer, may be boosting the rates of the potentially deadly cancer. One of the VELscope® system's most important tasks is to help identify areas that might, if not identified and treated, progress to oral cancer. The VELscope® system is designed to help dentist recognize oral abnormalities found on the lips, mouth, and uppper throat. In just two minutes, with no rinses, stains or discomfort, a VELscope® examination allows dentist to improve their assessment of your overall oral health.

How it WorksThe VELscope® uses a safe blue light and fluorescence technology to show differences between normal and abnormal tissues in the mouth. Looking through a special lens, dentists can detect changes several cell layers deep in the early stages that frequently can not be seen by the naked eye.

Why You Should Be Screened

Oral cancer kills one person every hour in North America

Oral cancer has 3 times as many victims as cervical cancer

If you are over 40, smoke and drink alcohol you are at an increased risk to develop oral cancer

Nearly half of oral cancer patients are expected to die within 5 years because of a late diagnosis, however when detected early it is 80% to 90% survivable.